Incredible restaurant in the heart of Hillcrest! So hearty and flavorful - absolutely adored everything we ordered: - mantu: topped with ground meat, these were so savory and delicious - aushak: bright flavor profile from the leeks made it a perfect pairing for the yogurt dill sauce - aush: comfort food soup with noodles! - the chicken and beef were spiced + charbroiled to perfection. too good with the upgraded raisin carrot rice. accompanied with heart and a spicy pepper. the service was amazing. absolutely above and beyond. the dining room featured high ceilings and unique art. can't wait to return. read more

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I have never tasted something as good as the afghan chicken curry, and that is saying a lot since I consider myself a foodie. I was not expecting the explosion that went into my mouth today and I know for a fact that I'm going to come back. The food was beyond perfection, and the restaurant is gorgeous and colorful. I came in during lunch and there were not a ton of people around, which is their loss. The service was wonderful as well. I just happened to walk in after a dr appointment and I'm so glad I did. I'm Covid cautious so sitting near the large open doors added some more points this place for me. It was fabulous and a great next place for a date night. read more

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Delicious Afghan food in a relaxed but still elevated sit-down setting. We started with the borta dip, which was creamy, flavorful, and such a great opener. They even brought out carrots and cucumber so I could enjoy it gluten-free, which I really appreciated. For mains, we tried the La Carte Beef Koofta, Afghan Chicken Curry, and Afghan Yaghoot Chalao. Everything was fantastic, but the chicken curry was definitely my favorite, super rich and comforting. The yaghoot chalao was really unique, slightly sweet with cherries that I ended up loving more than I expected. The koofta was incredibly tender and full of flavor. Be sure to ask for their spicy sauce, it takes the rice and koofta to the next level! read more

Khyber Pass Zarparan - Borta - Afghan Near Me - San Diego, California

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Genuinely some of the rudest employees I have ever met. This old man couldn't take accountability for making a mistake on my order so I just kept the wrong order. As I'm eating, he is still trying to prove to me that he's right and I'm wrong. Horrible customer service. I would never go back. read more

Really delicious food and great service! We came with a huge party but they were able to accommodate us all and was very attentive to our needs. Located on the Main Street of hillcrest so lots of things to do around the area. read more

Khyber Pass Zarparan - Food - Afghan Near Me - San Diego, California

While we were in San Diego, I was looking for Afghan food and came across this restaurant which I'm glad we did. There was 5 of us so we did the family style! There was so much food. We got so much food to take with us as it was so much. On top of it we got the batinjan which is a must try! It's so good! I think the chicken wings and the fries didn't belong there but the meat and chicken were good! I would def return and recommend it to friends and family. Service was absolutely amazing. Very friendly read more

Khyber Pass Zarparan - Family style - Afghan Near Me - San Diego, California

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Delicious food and excellent service. Authentic food, including some of the best bolani and badenjan I've had. Special shout out to the staff - the place was unusually busy the night were there and they were friendly and quick anyway! read more

Really flavorful food and a good portion size on everything. So this was relatively quite fast and definitely value for money. It was also quite busy on a weekday evening which was a good sign. Aushak (Leek Dumplings + Garlic Dill Yogurt) I was really thinking this would be my top choice because I usually like vegetable dumplings, but this was like a thin sheet dumpling and there was quite an oily sauce on top. The flavor was good, no doubt but I had to remove most of the sauce so I can make it a little healthy. Mantu (beef stuffed pasta shells + garlic yogurt) This was really unbelievably good! Didn't feel too fatty or oily or anything. It was just the good balance of the beef and the pasta shell and the yogurt. The flavors also went very really well together. Definitely recommend the item. Boneless Chicken Kebob (+ Qabuli Pulao) Chicken was cooked perfectly, soft and tender. Really like how this was in the white meat and it felt like a good lean protein option. I didn't notice it was relatively a little bit oily since I was expecting a garlic chicken here. But I just pressed out the oil with paper towels and it was good to go. Qabuli pulao was a real good decision. Really light and fluffy and airy and with the perfect balance of sweet and savory from those dried raisins in there. Quite a good amount of pulao here as well which was nice. Firnee - Such a massive portion size here and really really good flavor as well. It was like soft and crunchy smooth and everything at once. The rose flavor really came through there but it was just the perfect amount and not too strong. Total value for money here. read more

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Khyber Pass Restaurant Review 523 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92103 5/5 stars Food 5/5 Service 4.5/5 Ambience 4.5/5 This place has been in Hillcrest for decades and it has been years since I've been here. We had a great birthday dinner at Khyber Pass tonight and the food was so good. Honestly, it has been maybe 15 years since we've gone there but we walk by it all the time, so we booked it for a group birthday dinner. It accommodated 8 well, and the noise level was mid, not too noisy and we could talked to each other. To start, we had the eggplant, cucumber yogurt, and mantu (beef and leek dumplings). The dumplings with the red sauce was one of my faves. We felt the cucumber yogurt could have used a bit thicker consistency but that's just our preference. There were good vegetarian options. For dinner, my husband got the shrimp kabob and I had the salmon kabob. Our friends got the vegetarian platters, as well as an apricot lamb, chicken and lamb, and a chicken dish with a mole-looking sauce that tasted savory. I would highly recommend this local Afghan / Persian restaurant. They were friendly and not overly attentive. The lighting was a bit weird with spotlight on one of our friends. The ambiance overall is casual. Parking can be tricky. Expect to spend about $35-40 per person, which is very reasonable given the large plates of food. Per the owner: "Afghan, Persian, Middle eastern, & Mediterranean cuisine. Variety of dishes available for vegans and vegetarians. We make our food fresh daily with quality ingredients. Halal meat used to serve our clients. High quality food with affordable prices with great service in Hillcrest. We are catering, and delivering. Take-out or to-go option is available. Call the restaurant to order for to-go and pick-up food. Also the option to order through DoorDash, Postmates, and Uber Eats is available. Spices are used in perfect harmony to create very tasteful food which awakens your taste buds" read more

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First time here. Will definitely return. Food was tremendous. The service was fantastic and friendly. You will not go away hungry. Look forward to trying more from here. read more

Excellent food and great wine list. Their dishes were very flavorful and very nicely presented. Great ambiance and service was good. However, we asked them to please time the main course after the appetizer and it all came right away. I recommend you just don't tell them what you want for main course until you are ready as their kitchen and servers are lightning fast. If they were able to time their main courses better, I would have given them 5 stars. read more

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I was planning a lunch date with a dear friend today, and she mentioned she'd never tried Afghan food. Since we were going to be in Hillcrest, we chose Khyber Pass - and wow, what an incredible decision. This was easily some of the best food I've had in a very long time. We started with the Bolani. Absolute perfection. It had a beautiful crunch, perfectly seasoned filling, and none of that sogginess I often run into with Bolani elsewhere. We could've ordered another plate and been thrilled. Next came the Aushak with ground beef: one of my all-time favorite Afghan dishes. Think of it like delicate leek-filled ravioli topped with savory meat and tangy yogurt. It hit all the right notes. We also shared the Kofta Kabob, served with grilled vegetables and fluffy basmati rice. The seasoning was spot on, and the meat was juicy and tender, similar to Persian koobideh, but truly memorable in its own way. Our server recommended the Afghan Yaghoot Chalao (Cherry Curry) with chicken. Yes, cherries! Sweet, sour, rich, bright. I had to resist the urge to literally lick my plate clean. And then: the Qabuli Palao with lamb. I do not like lamb. My friend loves it, so I agreed...and I'm so glad I did. I genuinely loved this dish. The saffron-coriander rice with carrots and raisins was aromatic and comforting, and the lamb was tender and flavorful. If you're hesitant about lamb, trust me, this dish might convert you. Portions were generous, we came hungry, and still left with leftovers. I also ordered the house-made Doogh, a mint yogurt drink. It's not for everyone, but it's pure comfort to me. We finished with hot tea infused with cardamom, black for me, green for my friend, and it was the perfect close to a perfect meal. I told our server that this food was even more delicious than what my mother makes. I'm Afghan born and raised in San Diego. That is not a compliment I give lightly. I believe the restaurant is under newer management since around 2020/2021. I last ate here in 2015, and even back when it was on Convoy in the late '90s, and this is the best it has ever been. I highly, highly recommend Khyber Pass to anyone: adventurous eaters, first-timers, comfort-food seekers, well everyone. I'll definitely be back, and next time I'm saving room for dessert. read more

Delicious and colorful Afghani vegetarian platter. I particularly loved the cherry rice and the banana squash dish. Fresh and well spiced. They happily make the vegetarian platter vegan by removing the yogurt from the squash. The service was excellent. read more

Khyber Pass Zarparan - 62. Royal Vegetarian Platter - Afghan Near Me - San Diego, California

Amazing food It will be on our constant rotation of restaurants we visit weekly. Service is great, ambiance is great. read more

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Excellent food and great service! Very large portions and very tasty. The Bolani was incredibly tasty! read more

Khyber Pass Zarparan - Afghan Near Me - San Diego, California

Dishes are served family style and very flavorful of spices such as paprika, aromatics like garlic, basil, spinach and onions. I loved my dumplings (don't have the correct name) very rich sauce and the yogurt helped knock down the flavors. I loved the flavors of the chicken and steak. Enjoyed beer from Dubai, the restaurant has been here a long time and enjoyed seeing what the other tables were having. Our server was so patient in explaining the dishes... a good resource for coming here and trying something new. Options for meat and veggy diners. I'd come here again for something else to try. The ambiance was calm, no table time limit and being offered a bag for to go order was much appreciated. read more

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10/10 afgan food. Big portions, really good flavor, and great customer service. Dining area is casual but cozy. One of the best middle eastern restaurants in san diego. read more

When I go to San Diego, I have to eat here. They pride themselves for being a pure Afghanistan restaurant without fusion and the flavor is totally there to prove it. The ambience is easy to have a conversation both inside and limited outside area. Nice art work on the walls. I love the cherry and also the apricot stew with lamb. I love getting the rice with shredded carrots and raisin. I also had their grill of chicken, beef and lamb, all are perfect. Can't go wrong here. Side dishes of fried stuffed bread, eggplant dip, and dolmehes. The service is friendly and staff are knowledgeable of their cuisine. I wish they had other locations. Facilities are clean. Street parking or pay public parking lot. read more

great people great customer service Mr. khalil is great person and Mr. Cyrus great service. food was great . i will definitely recommend this restaurant. read more

Khyber Pass Zarparan - Afghan Near Me - San Diego, California

Great customer service good food specially QABULI PALAW They are super nice and freindly. read more

Khyber Pass Zarparan - Afghan Near Me - San Diego, California

One of my favorite restaurants hands down. We have been here many times, the same people are always here and the food is amazing every time. Everything is so unique tasting and flavorful. I always get the vegetarian dishes-there are so many to choose from, what a delight for veggie lovers! My husband always gets the chicken or steak. We love the food here and there are always lots to park in close by which is nice. read more

my first time trying this and it was amazing! the steak was a little salty but with the rice, it was great. the vegetables platter allowed us to try different things and i loved most of it! the chicken curry was flavorful, i can see why it was a favorite read more

Khyber Pass Zarparan - steak kabob, Afghan Chicken Curry, Vegetarian Platter - Afghan Near Me - San Diego, California

You know when you say something and it's so good and unique that you know you will remember it for years and years to come? I tried their lamb and cherry stew and I cannot tell you just how much of a taste awakening this is for me. Hands-down the most flavorsome dish I've had this whole year! Thank you for bringing these amazing recipes to this community and I only hope to find this closer to where I am up in San Jose! read more

Khyber Pass Zarparan - Afghan Near Me - San Diego, California

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Firstly I'd like to say that the theme and the setting of the inside of the establishment made it feel like I took a trip straight to Afghanistan! They provide a great experience no rush for ordering and they throughly explain the dishes (if asked) and make sure you understand what you are going to get when you order! All in all the staff were very friendly and knowledgeable and the food is just to die for! The mintu (dumplings filled with beef and lentils) were the best dish I would definitely come here just to eat that! read more

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The place is decorated in a way that will make you feel like you're in the Middle East. Great first impression. The servers were all so sweet and helpful. Good way delicious and lot of great options for food. Very much gluten free friendly. I have a strict restriction. read more

Khyber Pass Zarparan - Afghan Near Me - San Diego, California

The food is delicious and plentiful. The chai (tea) is out of this world. The grind cardamom seeds and mix it into the hot tea and it's the most delicious hot beverage I've ever had. I ordered a second cup. One of the owners, Jerusalem, was our waiter. He us a joyful guy, full of charm. For the price you pay for their food, it can't compare to what other Persian food restaurants charge. Parking is not so good. The parking meters allow two hours so plan ahead. I'd probably should have researched parking garages so that my friend and I wouldn't have felt rushed. I will visit this place many more times. read more

Every dish we tried (we had 5) was incredible, I couldn't stop eating despite being stuffed! Good sized portions, reasonably priced food, and the service was outstanding! I can't wait to eat here over and over again! read more

this place will have a special place in my heart. my friends and i were walking in SD to a different restaurant and were so intrigued by afghani food as we walked past the place as none of us had ever tried it before. after reading the menu outside, we decided to go there instead. every single dish we got blew us away. the badenjan dip was to die for. the portions were huge and everything was incredibly delicious. the staff were very attentive and so kind. you could tell that the family running this place put so much love and care into this restaurant. read more

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This was my first experience with Afghan and Persian food. The flavors were unique to me and delicious! I started with the appetizer platter which included Dolmeh, Borta, Hummus, Yogurt Cucumber dip, and like Pita/flatbread to dip. Dolmeh are stuffed grape leaves and the ones here tasted fresh. The Borta, which was the eggplant dip, was my favorite. It tasted had a nice garlic taste. Then I got a half order of the Mantu which is savory dumplings filled with lentils and beef covered in a yogurt sauce. This was enough of a meal for me. Also I got a mango lassi which was delicious. Mango lassi is a mango yogurt drink. The one here wasn't tart like yogurt at all and just tasted like mango. I always order mango lassis when I go to places that serve them. I tried my friends' dishes too. The chicken kebab on the Greek salad was really good and moist. The gormeh sabzi had strong flavor with lots of spice. The okra chalao was good too. I heard the Turkish coffee was strong. Our server seemed happy to help and serve us! The restaurant was decorated well with paintings and decor. Parking is difficult in this area of Hillcrest. Typically I've just done paid parking at nearby lots. read more

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Thought I would finally review one of our faves for their consistently delicious food. As vegetarians, we love the mashawa soup, the leek dumplings, and the vegetarian platter. All are delicately spiced and filling. The service was fast and warm, they make you feel at home. read more

The chicken kabob was out of this world: full of flavor and very tender. I definitely recommend it. The appetizer sampler was very delicious. Service was great! read more

Absolutely incredible food and service. This place has been around 42 years and it shows! We tried the leek dumplings, pomegranate stew, and sour cherry stew and holy cow, I literally cried tears of joy eating everything. This place is a gem, the owner is so kind and generous. I will definitely be back! read more

Food was very flavorful and fresh! Authentic Afgan food. Great service, owner is very nice!

Came here the other day and got the Royal Kabob combo. The Beef Shish was so tender and flavorful, chicken was amazing, and the spices on the koofta was superb. Always a great spot to come by if youre in hillcrest. Great service and amazing food read more

The food is delicious! Would certainly recommend the Qabuli and the badejaan. Place is quiet, clean and there is indoor and a small amount of outdoor seating. The staff were kind and happy to answer questions/give recommendations. The staff were somewhat slow to check back in, but available read more

Khyber Pass Zarparan - Afghan Apricot Chalao Afghan Qabuli Palao Badenjan (side) - Afghan Near Me - San Diego, California

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I love the food at Khyber pass! I have been eating at this restaurant for probably 25 to 30 years now, since they started in the Kearny Mesa area and later moved to Hillcrest. I believe the ownership has changed, however the food is still just as amazing as ever! Everything I have tried here from soups (both vegetarian, but very hearty and delicious) to the entrees to all of the different vegetables and rices that they serve here are amazing and so delicious. In fact, I challenge you to try the Sabzi (cooked spinach), it doesn't taste like any other spinach I've ever tried. Almost takes like creamed spinach but without any cream or dairy products at all. Better than cream spinach, literally the best spinach in San Diego. If you know of any better spinach than this, let me know! Anyway, the kabobs and the curries are also phenomenal. Love the apricot and cherry chicken dishes and the rices, omg. I'm not the kind of guy who gets excited about rice, but here it's a whole different story. They have cherry rice and rice topped with cooked carrots and raisins and flavored with seasonings that will blow your mind. I'm also a huge fan of their banana squash (Badu), it's so delicious and such a unique vegetable for a restaurant. I truly hope this place stays around forever because I will never grow tired of the food here. If you've never tried Afghani cuisine, go try it. read more

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Took my girlfriend who has never had Afghani food here and it was an instant hit! The Yaghoot Chalao was our favorite and was a mesmerizing mix of sweet and savory that I cleaned up with every grain of rice. Portions are definitely shareable here and is a great place to have a quiet evening out or a more intimate date night. The Chicken Kabob was also juicy and tender, not overcooked for those who are particular about their chicken. I only wish it came with more for the price . We'll be back to try more dishes soon! read more

Khyber Pass Zarparan - Boneless Chicken Kabob Afghan Yaghoot Chalao - Afghan Near Me - San Diego, California

I had heard good things about this spot, and I finally got to check it out. We went a Saturday night, and it filled up by 6:30. There were limited staff, but they were working hard to get everything done. Having never been there before, we weren't sure if they had alcoholic beverages. We saw they allowed you to bring wine for a reasonable corkage of $15, so we did that. They do serve beer and wine, and I made sure to put the menu here, so people can see it. We started with the bolani. The filling was flavorful, but wow, the sauce with it took it over the top. It is a little spicy, but in the perfect way. For our dinners, we got the beef shish and chicken kabobs, the yaghoot chaloa with lamb, and the garlic flatbread. Big portions, and all the meat was flavorful and tender. The flatbread was delicious - lots of garlic and a nice crispy outside. The yaghoot was nice and balanced considering it said sweet and sour. We would definitely order our dishes again; however, so many other things looked delicious. We look forward to coming back and trying new things. Some things on the menu are very unfamiliar, but don't let that scare you away. There is something here for everyone! read more

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Really yummy. Try the cherry curry. I forget the actual name. Great service and prices read more

Delicious meal & friendly staff! Portions could serve as individual or for sharing. The Mantu was especially delicious read more

Khyber Pass Zarparan - Mantu - Afghan Near Me - San Diego, California